Tag Archives: margaret smith leadership
October 18, 2023 Success in 40 Hours: Becoming an Efficient Achiever
Self-made millionaire Barbara Corcoran doesn’t believe in the “grind.” Even though tons of entrepreneurs talk about outworking the competition, Corcoran has never adopted a “work before everything else” mentality. She takes breaks and goes on vacation. She pays attention to her family and her personal wellbeing. Her success comes from working smarter and more efficiently, not harder.
It’s hard to argue with this mentality. According to a World Health Organization and the Internal Labor Organization report (summarized in a CNBC article), those who tend to work long hours are more likely to suffer from ischemic heart disease and stroke. Additionally, productivity tends to plunge after working 50 hours per week or longer. These are convincing arguments to slow down a bit, refocus, and figure out how to work “smarter, not harder.”
But how do you achieve this coveted efficiency? How do we achieve success in a 40-hour work week when our careers and personal lives seem to demand SO much of our time? While there’s no golden ticket, you can begin working smarter (not harder) by following any of the following 4 tips:
Set Clear Priorities
If our main priorities are not crystal clear, it’s easy to become distracted by day-to-day “fires” that need your attention. When that happens, it feels like our wheels are turning, but we’re going nowhere. Instead, take the time to clearly define your priorities and develop a plan to achieve them. When you keep your main priorities top-of-mind, it’s easier to say “no” to projects and requests that do not fit within your goals.
Eliminate Time-Wasting Activities
Take a close look at your daily routine and identify any activities that don’t contribute to your productivity. (Corcoran suggests asking yourself, “How could I do even better tomorrow?”) Unproductive activities could include excessive social media scrolling, unnecessary meetings, or spending too much time on unimportant tasks. Some ideas to cut these activities include turning off notifications, closing extra tabs, declining (if appropriate) to attend unnecessary meetings, and finding a quiet space where you can concentrate. By eliminating time-wasting activities, you’ll free up more time to focus on what truly matters.
Delegate and Outsource
Recognize that you can’t do it all on your own. Delegate tasks to others who have the expertise and capacity to handle them. This allows you to focus on your core responsibilities and maximize your efficiency. Additionally, consider outsourcing certain tasks or projects to external professionals or services to further streamline your workload. Another idea is to automate repetitive tasks, taking advantage of technology to save time and increase efficiency.
Take Regular Breaks
In a recent interview, Corcoran said, “I don’t agree that you should work your buns off to get rich.” Contrary to popular belief, taking regular breaks can actually improve productivity. Allow yourself short breaks throughout the day to recharge and refresh your mind and body. This could include going for a short walk, doing a quick exercise routine, or simply taking a few minutes to relax and clear your thoughts. By giving yourself these breaks, you will prevent burnout and maintain focus and energy throughout the day.
Achieving success in a 40-hour work week requires working smarter, not harder. By implementing intentional strategies, you can work more efficiently and achieve success without sacrificing your well-being. Remember, success is not about the grind, but about developing a plan, working more efficiently, and (ultimately) finding balance.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: achieve success with efficiency, achieve success with less work, Barbara Corcoran, becoming an efficient achiever, margaret smith leadership, Success in 40 hours
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- Posted under Better Business, Leadership, Thrive at Work
October 11, 2023 Leaders: Managing Conflict with Confidence and Tact
Conflict is one of the unfortunate inevitabilities you, as a leader, will have to face at some point or another in your career. Whether you’re stomping out little workplace fires, or facing a full-on blaze of contention, it’s best to prepare yourself for conflict.
Unless you’re currently in the middle of a dealing with a crisis, you can’t be certain of what types of conflict you will have to deal with. Even so, there are some general rules of thumb and best practices you can follow. Here are 7 guidelines for facing conflict with confidence, tact, and a level head.
Build Trust
Set the stage for effective conflict management by building trust within your team. When trust is established, your people will come to you early on when they are experiencing a hardship, rather than wait until it reaches a boiling point.
Gather the Facts
When acting as a mediator or conflict manager, it is essential to gather as many facts about the situation as possible. This includes speaking with all parties involved, reviewing any relevant documentation or evidence, and seeking out different perspectives on the issue. By gathering the facts, you can make informed decisions and avoid jumping to conclusions or making biased judgments.
Create a Safe Space for Communication
Conflict resolution requires open and honest communication. As a leader, it’s important to create a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves. Encourage active listening, empathy, and respect during discussions, and set ground rules for constructive dialogue.
Clarify Expectations
Miscommunication and misunderstandings often contribute to workplace conflicts. Take the time to clarify expectations, roles, and responsibilities to minimize potential conflicts. Ensure that everyone understands their tasks, deadlines, and the overall objectives.
Listen (and Encourage Others to Do the Same)
A major part of conflict management is practicing active listening. That means actually paying attention to what others are saying instead of thinking up an immediate response. It also means attempting to empathize with their situation—to place yourself in their shoes. If people are talking over each other or not paying attention, give them a gentle reminder that listening is key to resolving the issue at hand.
Collaborate on a Plan
You do not have to be the only person to propose an action plan to resolve the conflict—in fact, it’s better to get the input and ideas of those affected by, or who have a stake in, the conflict. By collaborating on a plan, you can ensure that everyone’s needs and perspectives are taken into account. This will help in finding a solution that is fair and mutually beneficial.
Address the Root Cause
To effectively manage conflict, it’s important to address the root cause rather than just treating the symptoms. Take the time to identify the underlying issues that contributed to the conflict and work towards resolving them. By doing so, you can prevent similar conflicts from arising in the future.
Remember, conflict is not always a negative thing. It can present an opportunity for growth, learning, and innovation. As a leader, it’s your role to navigate conflicts in a constructive manner and foster a positive work environment. By following these guidelines and practicing effective conflict management, you can help resolve conflicts effectively and also prevent them from escalating in the first place.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: how to manage conflict with confidence, leaders and conflict resolution, leaders manage conflict, leaders navigate conflict tactfully, margaret smith leadership, Margaret Smith minneapolis
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- Posted under Leadership
September 20, 2023 Always Growing: 6 Ways to Cultivate Continuous Learning
At certain points in our lives, we are learning almost nonstop. In school, we’re introduced to new subjects and topics while adapting to new environments and teachers. When we start a new job, we’re learning about the expectations, the workplace culture, and the ins and outs of the job itself. But if we’re not in a situation where we’re “forced” to learn, do we make an effort to expand our knowledge? If not, how can we make this a priority? And why is it important to keep learning anyway?
Continuous learning is vital for many reasons. It can help sharpen or expand your skillset, introduce you to new perspectives, help you master new technology, or even increase your leadership skills. Lifelong learning is also great for your brain health. Scientific studies have demonstrated that “when we learn new skills, the density of our myelin, or the brain’s white matter is increased. This in turn helps improve performance. Our neurons are also stimulated, forming more neural pathways which allow us to learn better.”
So how do you keep on learning? Try any or all of the following tips:
Maintain Your Curiosity
My grandson Leo is always asking, “Why?” Why this, why that. Why do I have to go? This childhood sense of curiosity is not only adorable, it’s helpful for expanding his world. If he doesn’t understand something, he asks about it. As adults, we do not always admit when we’re confused or need clarification. We don’t always acknowledge our shortcomings. I encourage you to get curious! Ask questions, find your sense of wonder, recognize that there are many things you don’t know about or understand (which is fine! You can endeavor to learn about these things…).
Learn Every Day
How might your world change if you attempted to learn something new every day? What if you woke up and, instead of scrolling through social media or checking your email, you read an article by Wired or Harvard Business Review? What if you read a few pages of a book? What if you spent just 10 minutes taking a go-at-your-own pace online class?
Alternatively, what if you dared to ask questions at your next meeting? Or asked for help or additional guidance/insights from one of your colleagues? Your curiosity and willingness to learn can open doors and expand your perspectives.
Cultivate Your Newsfeed
There is an educational side of the internet, but you have to look for it! There’s nothing wrong with occasionally checking Instagram or watching a cute cat video, but if this is all you’re doing you’re missing an opportunity to learn and grow. Try replacing some of your social media time (or mindless scrolling time) with something educational. The more you seek out and click on enriching, informative articles, the more these items will populate your newsfeed (through Google, Apple, or through a social media site). That’s how their algorithms work. But you have to make the first move! Seek out educational material, and eventually you’ll see similar articles suggested to you.
Create/Join a Book Club
There are many incredible books out there that can introduce you to new ways of thinking, expand your skills, or simply offer you a fresh perspective. No matter your interests, there’s a book out there for you. It can be easy, however, to let reading take the backburner. To keep up on your to-read list, consider starting a book club with like-minded folks. Discussing the books you read with others will help you appreciate them in a deeper way.
Change the Channel
I certainly understand the need to tune out at the end of the day with any old TV show. But what if you made an effort to watch something educational or informative once or twice each week? Several fascinating documentaries exist about a variety of topics. You don’t have to watch a five-hour Ken Burns documentary (unless you want to!); instead, you might opt for something like “Explained,” a mini-documentary series on Netflix, or switch over to YouTube to learn about a new topic.
Take a Class
It’s easier than ever to take a class on a new subject. You might opt for an in-person class (through community education programs, local arts or sciences organizations, a nearby university, etc.) or an online class (several platforms exist, including Teachable, which hosts my online leadership class). Each route has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose what’s right for you.
Happy learning!
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: cultivate continuous learning at work, keep learning workplace, learning at work, lifelong learning work, margaret smith career coach, margaret smith leadership
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- Posted under Changing Your Life, Goals
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